A coroner has determined that heading a football was likely a contributing factor to the brain injury that played a role in the death of former Scotland defender Gordon McQueen. The inquest, held in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, concluded that McQueen died from pneumonia, which resulted from a combination of vascular dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Coroner's Narrative Conclusion
Jon Heath, the coroner, delivered a narrative conclusion on Monday, stating that repetitive head impacts from heading the ball during McQueen's football career probably contributed to the development of CTE. McQueen, who earned 30 caps for Scotland between 1974 and 1981 and played for Manchester United and Leeds United over a 16-year professional span, passed away at his home in North Yorkshire in June 2023 at the age of 70.
Details of the Inquest Findings
The inquest heard that McQueen had become frail and bed-bound for months prior to his death, with pneumonia listed as the immediate cause. This frailty was attributed to the dual conditions of vascular dementia and CTE, a neurodegenerative disease often associated with repeated head trauma. The coroner's findings highlight the potential long-term health risks associated with heading in football, adding to growing concerns in the sport about player safety and brain health.
Impact on Football and Player Welfare
This case underscores ongoing discussions within football regarding the effects of heading on athletes' cognitive health. McQueen's career, which included prominent stints at two of England's top clubs, exemplifies the era when heading was a routine part of the game without widespread awareness of its risks. The coroner's statement may influence future protocols and research into head injury prevention in sports, particularly as similar cases have emerged in recent years.
As the football community reflects on McQueen's legacy, this inquest serves as a poignant reminder of the need for continued vigilance and education around sports-related head injuries. The findings could prompt further investigations into the health of former players and the implementation of safer practices in the modern game.
